School of the Prophetic Studies
by Shaykh Hamza Yusuf, Dr Yasir Qadhi, Imam Zaid Shakir…

Classes on the Life, character and Hadith of the Prophet (peace be upon him) by Shaykh Hamza Yusuf, Dr Yasir Qadhi, Imam Zaid Shakir, Mufti Abdur-Rahman Mangera, Shaykh Faraz Rabbani and Shaykh Muhammad Ninowy
DEPARTMENT OF SEERAH STUDIES
The Life of The Prophet Mohammad — Hamza Yusuf
45 episodes
This brilliant narration of the life of the Prophet (s) was originally presented by Hamza Yusuf in a twelve week course based on the book, Muhammad (s) by Martin Lings. It is unrivaled in its analysis of the Prophet’s (s) life, making his amazing persona come alive. The focus of the narration is the Prophet’s relationship with Allah through the Qur’an. Listeners learn verses in the order they were revealed to show how they impacted the young Muslim nation.
This Seerah course, that Shaikh Hamza Yusuf gave at the Islamic Study School in Hayward, California, in 1998. “An amazing insightful, and heart-warming class… highly recommended for all ages.” A must for all seeking knowledge
Prescribed Reading: Muhammad: His Life Based on the Earliest Sources — Martin Lings
Seerah of Prophet Muhammed — Dr Yasir Qadhi
104 episodes!
Shaykh Yasir Qadhi gives a detailed analysis of the life of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) from the original sources. Study the Biography of the single greatest human being that ever walked the surface of this earth, whom Allah sent as a Mercy to Mankind.
Prescribed Reading: The Sealed Nectar: Biography of the Prophet — Sheikh Safi-ur-Rahman al-Mubarkpuri
Stories from the Seerah — Lessons and Morals — Dr Yasir Qadhi
A fascinating series on the life and times of our Prophet Muhammed (ṣallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) entitled Stories from the Seerah — Lessons and Morals
An Authenticated Biography of the Prophet Muhammad — Shaykh Muhammad Ninowy
6 Episodes
Prescribed Reading: Muhammad: Man and Prophet — Adil Salahi
Meccan Dawn: The Life of the Beloved Prophet Muhammad in Mecca — Ustadh Abdullah Misra
The course begins by introducing students to the Science of the Prophetic Biography (sira). Students will examine the origins of the science, as well as the methodology employed to gather and verify the details of the Prophet’s life and certain modernist approaches to the Seerah.
After preparing themselves by examining the purpose and manners of studying the Prophetic Biography, students will engage in a detailed examination of the Meccan period of the Prophet’s life, concluding with the Migration (hijrah) to Madina. Throughout, students will explore not only what the Prophet did, but also how to apply the lessons of his example more completely in their own lives.Students will be encouraged to supplement the course lectures and live sessions by reading Martin Ling’s biography, Muhammad.
Medinan Lights: The Life of the Beloved Prophet Muhammad in Medina — Ustadh Abdullah Misra
This course covers life of the Prophet Muhammad, blessings and peace be upon him, from his migration to Medina until his passing. You’ll hear inspiring stories of his social excellence, sacrifice, and steadfastness.
The course closes with a concise account of the era of the Four Righteous Caliphs who came after the Prophet Muhammad, blessings and peace be upon him.
Character and Attributes of the Prophet — Imam Zaid Shakir
10 Episodes
This class will examine aspects of the character, mercy, morals and worship of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), based on the inspiring book of Shaykh Abdullah Sirajuddin, may Allah have mercy on him. In addition to examining these aspects of the Prophet’s mission, message and being, we will extract lessons that are relevant for our lives, days and time. In addition to the text, class will include a workbook, which will include exercise designed to reinforce the lessons from the text, drills that focus on memorizing selections from the Hadith mentioned in the text, as well as deeper examinations of some of the most important themes, personalities and events mentioned in the text.
Prescribed Reading:
Qurrat al-Absar — Shaykh Hamza Yusuf
13 Episodes
In the 2008 Rihla in Madinah, Hamza Yusuf first introduced his English translation of this celebrated poem on the blessed life of the Prophet Muhammad (God’s peace and blessings be upon him). Written over 400 years ago by the noble and erudite scholar, Shaykh ‘Abd al-’Aziz al-Lamti, this poem eloquently honors the life, qualities, and countless virtues of the Messenger of God (God’s peace and blessings be upon him). This is a high quality recording of Yusuf’s moving commentary of this didactic gem, taught line by line at the Rihla 2008 Summer Program.
Prescribed Reading: Qurrat Al Absar fi Sirat al-Mushaffa’ al-Mukhtar’ — Shaikh AbdulAziz ibn AbdulWahid Al Miknasi Al-Lamati
Seerah (Makki Period) — Shaykh Junaid Kharsany
Based on the earliest sources, this thoughtful and engaging course will provide an essential overview of the Makki (Meccan) period to allow students to fully acquaint themselves with the struggles and major events of this era in the life of the Prophet. Beginning with the early years in the life of the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace), we will move in a lively, fast-paced manner reliving the moments of his life until the Migration (Hijrah) to Madinah.
Through pre-recorded lectures, this course will provide a succinct account of this period describing the hardships the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) experienced in conveying Divine Guidance to his people. His sublime character and leadership, and his many other excellent qualities that make him a model for humanity, will be explored at depth. We will also discover how he dealt with significant events in his life, such as the Year of Deep Sorrow and the painful incident of Ta’if, and take home practical lessons to emulate his message.
Seerah (Madani Period) — Shaykh Junaid Kharsany
Beginning with the Hijrah (Emigration) of Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) from Makkah to Madinah, we will move in a lively, fast-paced manner reliving the moments of his life until his demise.
Through pre-recorded lectures, this course will provide a succinct account of this period describing the events our Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) experienced after the Hijrah. His sublime character and leadership, and his many other excellent qualities which make him a model for humanity will be explored at depth.
We will also discover how he dealt with significant events in the Madinan period, such as the battles of Badr, Uhud and Khandaq, the treaty of Hudaybiyyah, conquest of Makkah and the Farewell Hajj
The Character of the Prophet — Ustadha Saara Sabbath
1 Episode
Ustadha Saara Sabbagh enlightens us on the beautiful character of the Best of Creation and highlights his excellent manners in relation to his wives and family.
Prescribed Reading: The Content of Character: Ethical Sayings of the Prophet Muhammad — Hamza Yusuf
Shama’il of Imam Tirmidhi | The Sublime Characteristics of the Prophet — Mufti Abdur Rahman ibn Yusuf
77 Classes
This is the arguably the most indispensable collection of hadith related to the Prophet’s blessed biography (Allah bless him and give him peace). It was compiled by the eminent hadith scholar, Imam Abu ‘Isa al-Tirmidhi less than three centuries after the passing away of the Prophet Muhammed (Allah bless him and give him peace). It contains a collection of 417 narrations dealing with all spheres of the Prophet’s life from his honourable outer appearance and characteristics like his bodily features and clothing; to his hallowed inner traits such as his humility and humour. Scholar’s have said that whoever missed the opportunity to see the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) need only study this book to gain a vivid perception of what it would have been like to live among the Prophet and his Companions.
Prescribed Reading: A Portrait of the Prophet: As Seen by His Contemporaries ASH-Shama’Il Al-Muhammadiyya — by Imam Muhammad ibn ‘Isa at-Tirmidhi (Author) Muhtar Holland (Translater)
The Khulasa: Summary of Imam Abu Isa al-Tirmidhi’s Ash-Shamail al-Muhammadiyya — by Sheikh Muhammad Abd al-Hayy al-Kattani (Author), Aisha Bewley (Author)
The Shamā’il — Shaykh Yahya Al-Ninowy
9 Episodes
This class is based on the book Portrayal of the Prophet: The Shamā’il, and belongs to the traditional genre of Islamic ‘sacred history’ sources known as sira (biography). It contains a famous and a most indispensable collection of authentic traditions (ahadith), listing the main texts from which to glean the beautiful attributes, both moral and physical, of the Holy Prophet — Peace and Blessings be upon Him; attributes to which Muslims in all ages referred over and over, for the purposes of both meditation and edification.
Prescribed Reading: A Portrait of the Prophet: As Seen by His Contemporaries ASH-Shama’Il Al-Muhammadiyya — by Imam Muhammad ibn ‘Isa at-Tirmidhi (Author) Muhtar Holland (Translater)
The Khulasa: Summary of Imam Abu Isa al-Tirmidhi’s Ash-Shamail al-Muhammadiyya — by Sheikh Muhammad Abd al-Hayy al-Kattani (Author), Aisha Bewley (Author)
Loving the Ahlul Bayt — Shaykh Abdur Rahman Ibn Yusuf
Al-Arba’in of Muhammad ibn Jaffar al-Kattani Taught by Shaykh Abdur Rahman ibn Yusuf . Collection Of Forty Hadiths — On the Duty of Loving the Noble Family of the Prophet Muhammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). In this collection of 42 hadith, Al-Hafiz Al-Kattani tackles a subject that has been neglected by modern Islam and yet is one that lies at the core of the religion, namely, the love of the noble family of the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). Al-Hafiz al-Kattani demonstrates categorically that to love the family of the Prophet is an integral part of Sunni Islam and a foundational attitude of the believer.
Muhammad ibn Jafar al-Kattani Al-Hafiz Abu ‘Abdullah Muhammad ibn Ja’far al-Kattani (b. 1273 AH) received his early religious education in his native Morocco, then travelled to Syria and the Hijaz to continue his studies with many of the leading scholars of his time. He was a specialist of hadith but also mastered other sciences including Islamic jurisprudence. He was deeply involved in the political struggle against colonialism, and was a great support to the legitimate Muslim rulers.
Prescribed Reading: Al-Arbain, Duty of Loving the Noble Family of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) — by Muhammad Ibn Jaffar al-Kattani
Other Reccomended Books:
- Muhammad: Prophet for Our Time — by Karen Armstrong
- Muhammad: A Biography of the Prophet — by Karen Armstrong
- In the Footsteps of the Prophet — by Tariq Ramadan
- Muhammad the Perfect Man — by — Sayyid Muhammad ibn Alawi al-Maliki al-Hasani
- Leadership Lessons from the Life of Rasoolullah — by Mirza Yawar Baig
- Memories of Muhammad: Why the Prophet Matters — by Omid Safi
- The Messenger: The Meanings of the Life of Muhammad — by Tariq Ramadan
- Muhammad, Messenger of Allah: Ash-Shifa of Qadi’Iyad — by Qadi Iyad (Author), A. Bewley (Translator)
- Prophet of Mercy (Nabiyy-i Rahmat) — Abul Hasan ‘Ali Nadwi
- Noble Life of the Prophet (3 Vols) — by ‘Ali Muhammad As-Sallaabee
- Muhammad (Critical Lives) — by Yahiya Emerick
- REVELATION: The Story Of Muhammad — by Meraj Mohiuddin
- The Jurisprudence of the Prophetic Biograph — by Dr. M. Said Ramadan
- And Muhammad Is His Messenger: The Veneration of the Prophet in Islamic Piety — by Annemarie Schimmel
- Muhammad — The Best Of Creation by Sayyid Muhammad ibn Alawi al-Maliki al-Hasani
- Muhammad: A Very Short Introduction — by Jonathan A.C. Brown
- Muhammad His Character and Beauty : Wasa’il Al-wusul Ila Shama’il al-rasul — Shaykh Yusuf al-Nabahani
DEPARTMENT OF HADITH STUDIES
Introduction to Hadith- Mufti Javed Iqbal
An introductory course providing an overview of the Hadith sciences. After initially establishing the authority of Hadith as a source of Islamic Law, we will briefly cover the period in which this science developed and how the Hadith were compiled and recorded.
In this course, we will also discuss the famous Hadith collections, the compilers and figures behind these works, such as Imam Malik, Imam Ahmad, Imam Bukhari and Imam Muslim, and the special features of these works. We will dedicate the last portion of this course to covering the terminologies used in Hadith science at a basic level so that students can familiarize themselves with terms such as Mashhur, Mutawatir, Sahih, Hasan, Da’if, Mawdu’, etc. and what they really mean.
Introduction to Hadith — Dr. Jonathan Brown
Part one
The vast majority of controversial issues that Muslims encounter come from Hadith tradition. It is controversial because it is an important source of Islamic law and belief that if not properly studied/analyzed, will be very confusing. Dr. Brown discusses a few pointers to keep in mind when coming across hadith.
- Part 2: How to Approach Hadith — Verifying and Understanding Hadith
- Part 3: Hadith: Between Muslim Conviction & Western Criticism (Zaytuna College)
- Part 4: Critically engaging with Hadith | Cambridge Muslim College
Sciences of Hadith by Dr. Yasir Qadhi
5 classes
A brief overview on the Science of Hadith
Misquoting Muhammad: The Challenge and Choices of Interpreting the Prophet’s Legacy — Dr. Jonathan A.C. Brown
Misquoting Muhammad takes the reader back in time through Islamic civilization and traces how and why such controversies developed, offering an inside view into how key and controversial aspects of Islam took shape. Misquoting Muhammad lays out how Muslim intellectuals have sought to balance reason and revelation, weigh science and religion, and negotiate the eternal truths of scripture amid shifting values.
Prescribed Reading: Misquoting Muhammad: The Challenge and Choices of Interpreting the Prophet’s Legacy — Jonahtan A.C. Brown
Sahih Bukhari Explained — Shaykh Walead Mosaad
The ummah has accepted the hadith collection of Imam al-Bukhari as the most authoritative collection of the traditions of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Throughout Islamic history, it has been read and studied as a source of guidance, inspiration, as well as intercession in times of strife and tribulation. The abridgment by the Andalusian scholar of the seventh century, Abdullah ibn Abi Jamra consists of 300 or so selections from what are regarded as the quintessential traditions al-Bukhari’s collection. In this class each hadith will be studied for both its apparent purport, as well as the underlying meanings as understood and interpreted by our greatest ulama, including Ibn Abi Jamrah himself, Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani, and the 12th century Azhari scholar, Muhammad al-Shanawani.
The 40 Hadith with Imam Zaid Shakir
Commentary on “The 40 Hadith” collection of Imam al-Nawawi by Imam Zaid Shakir.
Prescribed Reading: An-Nawawi’s Forty Hadith — by Yahya ibn Sharaf al-Nawawi (Author), Ezzeddin Ibrahim (Translator)
Riyad al-Salihin — Mufti Javed Iqbal
8 Lessons
A unique and inspiring course covering select chapters of the famous Hadith text, Riyad al-Salihin. Compiled by the great scholar of Islam, Imam Abu Zakariyya Yahya Ibn Sharaf al-Nawawi (d.1277 C.E.), the text has received widespread acclaim throughout the ages and serves as a basis for many courses and lectures up until today.
In this course, the instructor will begin by covering the muqaddimah (introduction) of the book to familiarize students with the objectives of the book as intended by the author, Imam al-Nawawi. Students will also learn about the author himself before moving on to the chapters. The chapters we will cover contain verses of the Qur’an and Hadiths that touch upon topics relating to worship, transactions, spirituality, creed and beyond.
A uniquely structured course which although — due to the limitations of time — does not cover the entire text but certainly intends to convey the special features of Riyad al-Salihin while providing ample, academic commentary of Hadiths that were specially selected to form a range of interesting and relevant topics.
Prescribed Reading: Gardens of the Righteous , Riyadh As-Salihin by Nawawi (Author), Muhammad Zafrulla Khan (Translator)
The Essence of Wisdom: Nawawi’s 40 Hadith Explained — Shaykh Faraz Rabbani
Part 1:
Part 2:
(term course — check for dates)
Do you want to understand the most foundational hadiths of the Prophet, blessings and peace be upon him? This course explains the essence of Prophetic wisdom and guidance gathered in Imam Nawawi’s 40 Hadiths.
This course will help nurture your faith, deepen religious understanding, increase in love of the Beloved Prophet (peace be upon him), and gain clarity on how to live the essence of his wisdom.
In this in-depth course, Shaykh Faraz Rabbani explains Imam Nawawi’s 40 Hadith, using classical commentaries and a wide range of reference works in Islamic scholarship.
This course brings out the meanings, beauty, and guidance in these central Prophetic sayings, which Imam Nawawi selected as being hadiths which “the message of Islam revolves around.”
Prescribed Reading: An-Nawawi’s Forty Hadith — by Yahya ibn Sharaf al-Nawawi (Author), Ezzeddin Ibrahim (Translator)
Hadith Mishkat al-Masabih — Mufti Abdur-Rahman Mangera
8 Lessons
A study of the Book of Heart-Softening Traditions from Mishkat al-Masabih, this course will give students an opportunity to experience Hadiths from the Sihah Sittah (Bukhari, Muslim, Abu Dawud, Tirmidhi, Nasa’i, Ibn Majah) and other famous collections such as those of Imams Ahmad and Bayhaqi.
The Book of Hadith: Sayings of the Prophet Muhammad from the Mishkat al Masabih — by Charles Le Gai Eaton
Hadith Sunan Abi Dawud — Mufti Javed Iqbal
8 Lessons
This course is an important and informative introduction for beginners on the path of seeking knowledge. It includes guidelines to keep the seeker from falling into errors which may be detrimental to his sincerity and beliefs and provides details on how to derive maximum virtue and Noor (spiritual light) from this knowledge, as well as the correct method of passing on this benefit to others.
This course also serves as a reminder and encouragement for those who are well into their journeys of seeking knowledge, to spur them on and assist them in rectifying any mistakes they may have been mindless of with regards to their knowledge. The details grasped in this course are vital to be applied in everyday learning and propagation of ‘Ilm.
Hadith Al-Arba’in — Shaykh Hamood Aleem
8 lessons
A study of the Al-Arba’in (40 Hadith) of Mulla ‘Ali al-Qari. By studying this collection of concisely worded hadiths, students will learn important lessons on a diverse range of subjects. Mulla ‘Ali al-Qari has selected portions from longer narrations to give seekers a flavour of the Islamic tradition while allowing one to truly appreciate the profound wisdom of the Sunnah.
Chain of Authority — Mufti Abdur-Rahman ibn Yusuf Mangera
10 Lessons
An intermediate course on Hadith terminology and principles that covers the Muqaddimah Mishkat, a concise treatise by the great 15th century muhaddith, Shaykh Abd al-Haq al-Dahlawi. An extension to the Introduction to Hadith course, this course explores further the fundamentals in Hadith science, from definitions of key concepts and terms to classification of Hadith in reference to its narrators and chains. Like the Nukhbat al-Fikr of Imam Ibn Hajr al-Asqalani, the Muqaddimah Mishkat is the perfect treatise for the beginner who wants to further his or her understanding of Hadith science. This course will allow one to fully appreciate the collection, codification, narration, grading and criticism of Hadith and more importantly inculcate a spiritual closeness to the words and actions of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ
Recommended Reading:
- Hadith Literature: Its Origin, Development, Special Features and Criticism — by Muhammad Zubayr Siddiqi
- Misquoting Muhammad: The Challenge and Choices of Interpreting the Prophet’s Legacy — Jonahtan A.C. Brown
- Hadith Nomenclature Primers — by Ibn Hajar (author) Musa Furber (translator)
- Hadith: Muhammad’s Legacy in the Medieval and Modern World — by Jonathan A.C. Brown
- A Treasury of Hadith: A Commentary on Nawawi’s Selection of Prophetic Traditions — Shaykh Ibn Daqiq al-’Id (Author), Mokrane Guezzou (Translator)
- A Textbook of Hadith Studies: Authenticity, Compilation, Classification and Criticism of Hadith— Mohammad Hashim Kamali
- The Canonization of al-Bukhari and Muslim — Jonathan A.C. Brown
- Provisions for the Seekers: A Manual of Prophetic Hadiths with Commentary —by Abdur-Rahman ibn Yusuf (Author)
- The Authority of Sunnah by Muhammad Taqi Usmani
- Forty Hadith Qudsi (Islamic Texts Society) by Ezzeddin Ibrahim
- Narrative Social Structure: Anatomy of the Hadith Transmission Network, 610–1505 by Recep Senturk
- The Sunnah and Its Role in Islamic Legislation by Mustafa as-Siba’ee
- On Schacht’s Origins of Muhammadan Jurisprudence (Islamic Texts Society) by Muhammad M. al-Azami
- Constructive Critics, Hadith Literature, and the Articulation of Sunni Islam — by Scott C. Lucas
- Studies in Hadith Methodology and Literature by MM Azami
- The Garden of the Hadith Scholars — by Imam Abd Al-Aziz Ad-Dihlawi (Author), Aisha Abdurrahman Bewley (Translator), Mohammed Akram Nadwi (Translator)
- Bukhari, — by Ghassan Abdul-Jabbar
- Hadith and Sunnah Ideals and Realities (Selected Essays) by — Muhammad Asad, Seyyed Hossein Nasr, Syed Abu Al-Hasan Ali Nadwi, Annemarie Schimmel, Qadi Iyad Ibn Musa Al-Yahsubi, P. K. Koya Shah Shahidullah Faridi (Author), S. M. Yusuf Fazlur Rahman, Zubayr Siddiqi Mustafa Azami (Editor)
- Introduction to the Conservation of Hadith by Muhammed Hamidullah
- Studies in Early Hadith Literature — by Muhammad Mustafa Azami (Author)
Academic papers on Hadith :
“Minhaj of the Salaf in Authentic Hadith,” Shaykh Abdullah Hamid Ali
“How We Know Early Hadith Scholars Did Matn Criticism,” Dr. Jonathan Brown
“The Authenticity of Prophetic Hadith a Pseudo-Problem,” Dr. Wael Hallaq
“The Musannaf of Abd al-Razzaq,” Dr. Harald Motzki
“Did the Prophet Say it or Not,” Dr. Jonathan Brown

